FSU football: 5 reasons offense will be better than 2023 version
By Kelvin Hunt
More Efficient Short-Yardage
This spot is an area where FSU struggled in 2023. FSU had 59 third and three or less-yard situations last year and converted 33 first downs. That's a 56 percent conversion rate, but FSU should convert those short distances at a much higher percentage. FSU converted on fourth downs 47.62 percent in 2023. FSU had to go for it on fourth down 21 times because they failed to convert on third and short too often.
I don't think that's going to be the case in 2024. The improved offensive line is coupled with three running backs who can run with power, plus a quarterback that will play between 240-250 pounds. FSU will have a lot of beef to throw at teams unlike the past few years, and Trey Benson didn't always run like a huge back in short-yardage situations. FSU converted third downs at 51 percent in 2022, and I expect FSU to climb back into that area more than they were in 2023.